CAT 2025 Formula Sheet PDF: All Important Quantitative Aptitude Formulas for Quick Revision

CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Formula Sheet PDF Download

Download the CAT 2026 formula PDF designed for fast revision and last-minute preparation. This free formula sheet covers all the important formulae that will be helpful to solve questions quickly in the CAT exam.

Download Now: CAT 2026 Important Formulas

CAT Important Formulas of Geometry

Mastering important geometry formulas is crucial for cracking the CAT exam, as geometry is a key topic in the Quantitative Aptitude section. The following section covers all essential CAT geometry formulas, including areas, polygons, angles, and properties of triangles and circles to help you solve problems quickly and accurately.

CAT Important Formulas of Trigonometry

Trigonometry plays a vital role in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section, making it essential to learn and memorise key formulas. This comprehensive list of important CAT trigonometry formulas helps aspirants solve complex problems with speed, accuracy, and confidence during the exam.

1. Basic Trigonometric Ratios

These are defined in relation to a right-angled triangle:

$\sin \theta = \frac{\text{Opposite side}}{\text{Hypotenuse}}$

$\cos \theta = \frac{\text{Adjacent side}}{\text{Hypotenuse}}$

$\tan \theta = \frac{\text{Opposite side}}{\text{Adjacent side}}$

$\csc \theta = \frac{\text{Hypotenuse}}{\text{Opposite side}}$

$\sec \theta = \frac{\text{Hypotenuse}}{\text{Adjacent side}}$

$\cot \theta = \frac{\text{Adjacent side}}{\text{Opposite side}}$

2. Pythagorean Identities

$\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1$

$1 + \tan^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta$

$1 + \cot^2 \theta = \csc^2 \theta$

3. Trigonometric Functions of Negative Angles

$\sin(-\theta) = -\sin \theta$

$\cos(-\theta) = \cos \theta$

$\tan(-\theta) = -\tan \theta$

$\csc(-\theta) = -\csc \theta$

$\sec(-\theta) = \sec \theta$

$\cot(-\theta) = -\cot \theta$

4. Angle Sum and Difference Formulas

$\sin(A + B) = \sin A \cos B + \cos A \sin B$

$\sin(A - B) = \sin A \cos B - \cos A \sin B$

$\cos(A + B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B$

$\cos(A - B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B$

$\tan(A + B) = \frac{\tan A + \tan B}{1 - \tan A \tan B}$

$\tan(A - B) = \frac{\tan A - \tan B}{1 + \tan A \tan B}$

Quantitative Aptitude Formulae for CAT 2026

Quantitative Aptitude formulas form the foundation of the Quantitative Aptitude section in the CAT 2026 exam. Here are some important CAT 2026 quant section-wise formulae for CAT 2026 preparation:

Arithmetic

The Arithmetic section is the most important section in the Quantitative Aptitude Section, which is also useful to solve the Data Interpretation problems. Following are some 50+ Important Formulas for CAT Preparation of this section which are given in this CAT Formula Sheet:

Percentage

Following are some Important CAT Formulas of percentage:

$X \text{ is what percentage of } Y = \frac{X}{Y} \times 100$

$X \text{ is what percentage more/less than } Y = \frac{|X - Y|}{Y} \times 100$

Shortcut Formulas

Following are some formulas which can be used as CAT Quant Formulae:

Profit & Loss:

Following are some Important CAT Formulas of this topic:

Simple Interest (S.I.) & Compound Interest (C.I.):

Following are some basic and Important Formulas for CAT 2026 related to Simple Interest and Compound Interest:

Shortcut Formulas

Following are some formulas which can be used as CAT Quant Formula Cheat Sheet for the preparation and exam point of view:

Time, Speed & Distance:

Following are some basic and Important Formulas for CAT 2026 related to Time, Speed and Distance:

Trains:

Boat & Streams:

Clocks

Shortcut Formulas

We have provided below the shortcut formulae related to average speeds, boat stream, circular tracks, meeting point, to make your calculations faster in the CAT 2026 exam.

1. Average Speed Formulas

Case 1: Equal distances, different speeds
If the distance covered in each stage of a journey is the same, but speeds are different, the average speed is the harmonic mean:

$ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{2 s_1 s_2}{s_1 + s_2} $

Example:
Distance from A to B and B to C is the same. Speeds: $s_1$ and $s_2$. Then:

$ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{2 s_1 s_2}{s_1 + s_2} $

Case 2: Equal time, different speeds
If the time taken in each stage is the same but speeds differ, the average speed is the arithmetic mean:

$ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{s_1 + s_2}{2} $

2. Circular Track – Same Direction

If two people start from the same point on a circular track of length $D$ km with speeds $a$ & $b$ kmph in the same direction:

1. Time for first meeting:

$ t_{\text{first}} = \frac{D}{|a-b|} $

2. Time to meet again at the starting point:

$ t_{\text{start}} = \text{LCM}\left(\frac{D}{a}, \frac{D}{b}\right) $

3. Number of distinct meeting points:

$ \text{Meeting points} = |x - y| $

Where $x:y$ is the simplified ratio of speeds.
Example: If $a = 12$ kmph, $b = 9$ kmph → $x:y = 12:9 = 4:3$ → $x=4$, $y=3$.

3. Circular Track – Opposite Direction

If two people start from the same point in opposite directions:

1. Time for first meeting:

$ t_{\text{first}} = \frac{D}{a+b} $

2. Time to meet again at the starting point:

$ t_{\text{start}} = \text{LCM}\left(\frac{D}{a}, \frac{D}{b}\right) $

3. Number of distinct meeting points:

$ \text{Meeting points} = |x + y| $

Where $x:y$ is the simplified ratio of speeds.

4. Meeting Point Between Two Opposite Travellers

If a person $P$ starts from $A$ towards $B$, and $Q$ starts from $B$ towards $A$, and they meet after time $t$:

$ t = x \cdot y $

Where:

• $x$ = time taken by $P$ to reach $B$ after meeting

• $y$ = time taken by $Q$ to reach $A$ after meeting

5. Boats and Streams

If the speed of the boat downstream is $u$ kmph and upstream is $v$ kmph:

• Speed of boat in still water:

$ \text{Boat speed} = \frac{u+v}{2} \text{ kmph} $

• Rate of stream:

$ \text{Stream speed} = \frac{u-v}{2} \text{ kmph} $

Geometry

The Geometry section is the lengthiest section in the Quantitative Aptitude Section which has lots of properties and formulas. Following are 50+ Important Formulas for CAT Preparation of this section which are given in this CAT Formula Sheet:

1. Triangles:

Properties of Triangles:

The sum of all interior angles in a triangle is $180^\circ$ and the sum of all exterior angles is $360^\circ$.

The sum of any two sides is always greater than the third one and the difference of any two sides is less than the third one.

Let $a, b, c$ be the sides of a triangle, then

$|b-c| < a < b+c$

In a scalene triangle the greatest side is always greater than one-third of the perimeter and less than half of the perimeter.

Let $a, b, c$ be the sides of the triangle and $a$ be the greatest side. Let the perimeter be $P$. Then

$\dfrac{P}{3} < a < \dfrac{P}{2}$

Example: In a scalene triangle $ABC$, the perimeter is $24$ cm and all sides are integers.

Let $a, b, c$ be sides of the triangle with $a$ the greatest side. Then

$\dfrac{24}{3} < a < \dfrac{24}{2}$

$8 < a < 12$

So possible values are $9, 10, 11$ cm.

For $a, b, c$ sides of a triangle and $a$ the greatest side:

If $a^2 < b^2 + c^2$, then the triangle is acute angled.

If $a^2 = b^2 + c^2$, then the triangle is right angled (Pythagoras theorem).

If $a^2 > b^2 + c^2$, then the triangle is obtuse angled.

(Here $D$ is the midpoint of side $AC$, so $AD = DC$)

Midpoint of a triangle

• Length of the Median –
  BD = $\frac12 \sqrt{2(AB^2+BC^2)−AC^2}$

• 3× (Sum of squares of sides) =4× (Sum of squares of medians), that is,
  $3(a^2+b^2+c^2)=4({M_a}^2+{M_b}^2+{M_c}^2)$
  where a,b, and c are the sides of the triangle and Ma, Mb, and Mc are the medians.

• In a right-angled triangle, Median of Hypotenuse = Half of Hypotenuse
  That is,
  CD = AB/2

Median of the hypotenuse

If all the medians are drawn in the triangle, then the 6 small triangles are generated in the triangle, which are equal in the Area.

Area of Triangle:

Heron’s Formula

If all sides of a triangle are given. Let $a, b, c$ be the sides of the triangle –

Area $= \sqrt{s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)}$ where $s = \dfrac{a+b+c}{2}$ is the semiperimeter.

If two sides and the included angle are given –

Area $= \dfrac{1}{2} \times \text{(Product of given sides)} \times \sin(\text{included angle})$

Area $= \dfrac{1}{2} \times a \times b \times \sin C$

(Example: sides $a, b$ and included angle $C$ are given)

If a side and its respective altitude (perpendicular drawn from the opposite vertex) is given, then –

Area of the triangle $= \dfrac{1}{2} \times \text{Base} \times \text{Height (Altitude)}$

Shortcut Formulas

Area of an equilateral triangle = $ \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} a^2 $

Height (Altitude) of an equilateral triangle = $ \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} a $

Area of a triangle = $ r \times s $ (where $r$ is the inradius and $s$ is the semiperimeter)

Area of a triangle = $ \frac{abc}{4R} $ (where $a$, $b$, $c$ are sides and $R$ is the circumradius)

Quadrilaterals:

3. Circle:

Circumference of a circle $= 2\pi r$

Area of a circle $= \pi r^2$

For a semi-circle:

Circumference of a semi-circle $= \pi r$

Perimeter of a semi-circle $= \pi r + 2r$

Area of a semi-circle $= \dfrac{\pi r^2}{2}$

Sector & Segment of a circle

$OAXC$ is called the sector of the circle and $AXC$ is called the segment.

Length of arc $AXC = \dfrac{\theta}{360} \times 2\pi r$ (where $r$ is the radius)

Area of sector $OAXC = \dfrac{\theta}{360} \times \pi r^2$

$2 \times \text{Area of sector} = \text{Length of arc} \times \text{Radius}$

Area of segment $AXC = \text{Area of sector } OAXC - \text{Area of } \triangle OAC$

$A = \dfrac{\theta}{360} \pi r^2 - \dfrac{1}{2} r^2 \sin \theta$

Where:

$\theta$ = angle subtended at the center (in degrees)

$r$ = radius of the circle

Common Tangent

$PQ$ and $RS$ are the direct common tangents of the circles, which are equal in length.

Length of direct common tangent $(L)$:

$L^2 = d^2 - (r_1 - r_2)^2$

Where:

$d =$ distance between centers of the circles

$r_1, r_2 =$ radii of the circles

$PQ$ and $RS$ are the transverse common tangents of the circles, which are equal in length.

Length of transverse common tangent $(L)$:

$L^2 = d^2 - (r_1 + r_2)^2$

Where:

$L =$ length of the transverse common tangent

$d =$ distance between the centers of the two circles

$r_1, r_2 =$ radii of the two circles

Mensuration:

Algebra

The Algebra section is a critical part of the Quantitative Aptitude section in the CAT exam. Below are over 50 important formulas for CAT preparation in this section, which are provided in this comprehensive CAT Formula Sheet:

1. Quadratic Equations

General form:
$ ax^2 + bx + c = 0 $

Roots of the equation (Shreedhara Acharya's Formula):
$ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} $

Sum of roots:
$ \text{Sum} = -\frac{b}{a} $

Product of roots:
$ \text{Product} = \frac{c}{a} $

Discriminant:
$ D = b^2 - 4ac $

• If $D > 0$, roots are real and distinct

• 
  

  • Perfect square $D$ → roots are rational (e.g., $x=1,6$)

  • Non-perfect square $D$ → roots are irrational/conjugate surds (e.g., $x = 3 - \sqrt{5}, 3 + \sqrt{5}$)

• If $D = 0$, roots are real and equal

• If $D < 0$, roots are imaginary and distinct

Vertex (Maximum/Minimum values):

• For $y = ax^2 + bx + c$, $a>0$ (Minimum):
  $ x = -\frac{b}{2a}, \quad y_{\text{min}} = -\frac{D}{4a} $

• For $y = ax^2 + bx + c$, $a<0$ (Maximum):
  $ x = -\frac{b}{2a}, \quad y_{\text{max}} = -\frac{D}{4a} $

Quadratic equation from roots $a$ and $b$:
$ x^2 - Sx + P = 0 $, where $ S = a+b $, $ P = ab $
Or equivalently:
$ x^2 - (a+b)x + ab = 0 $

Progression & Series

Arithmetic Progression (A.P.)

If a is the first term and d is the common difference then the Arithmetic Progression (A.P.). can be written as-

• a, a+d, a+2d, a+3d, …

Let $a =$ first term

$d =$ common difference

$n$ = number of terms

Nth term of the A.P. –

$T_n = a + (n-1)d$

Sum of the first $n$ terms of the A.P. $(S_n)$ = Average of all the terms $\times$ number of terms $(n)$.

The average of the terms can be found easily:

If the number of terms is odd, then the middle term will be the average.

Example: $2, 5, 8, 11, 14$ are terms of the A.P., then the middle term $8$ is the average.

So, $S_n = \text{average} \times n = 8 \times 5 = 40$.

If the number of terms is even, then the average of the middle two terms will be the average of the A.P.

Formula for the sum of $n$ terms:

$S_n = \dfrac{n}{2} \big[ 2a + (n-1)d \big]$

Shortcut Formulae

$S_n = \dfrac{n}{2}(a+l)$ (where $a =$ first term, $l =$ last term, $n =$ number of terms)

$n = \dfrac{l-a}{d}+1$ (number of terms in A.P.)

Geometric Progression (G.P.)

If $a$ is the first term and $r$ is the common ratio, then the G.P. can be written as: $a, ar, ar^2, ar^3, \dots$

Nth term of the G.P.: $T_n = a \cdot r^{n-1}$

Sum of the first $n$ terms:

If $|r| < 1$: $S_n = a \cdot \dfrac{1-r^n}{1-r}$

If $r > 1$: $S_n = a \cdot \dfrac{r^n-1}{r-1}$

Sum of infinite terms of the G.P. (if $|r|<1$): $S_\infty = \dfrac{a}{1-r}$

Where: $a =$ first term, $r =$ common ratio, $n =$ number of terms

$|r|<1$ ensures the series converges.

Shortcut Formulas

If there are odd no. of terms in a G.P., then the product of all terms are equal to the nth power of the middle term.

e.g. 2,6,18,54,162 are the terms of a G.P.

Then the products of all the terms = 185

Harmonic Progression (H.P.)

If a,b,c are in A.P., then $\frac{1}{a},\frac{1}{b},\frac{1}{c}$ are in Harmonic Progression (H.P.).

n-th term of the H.P.=$\frac{1}{n}$-th term of the corresponding A.P.

Series

Sum of first $n$ natural numbers:
$ 1 + 2 + 3 + \cdots + n = \frac{n(n+1)}{2} $

Sum of squares of first $n$ natural numbers:
$ 1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2 + \cdots + n^2 = \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6} $

Sum of cubes of first $n$ natural numbers:
$ 1^3 + 2^3 + 3^3 + \cdots + n^3 = \left(\frac{n(n+1)}{2}\right)^2 $

Sum of first $n$ odd numbers:
$ 1 + 3 + 5 + \cdots + (2n-1) = n^2 $

Sum of squares of first $n$ even numbers:
$ 2^2 + 4^2 + 6^2 + \cdots + (2n)^2 = \frac{2n(n+1)(2n+1)}{3} $

Sum of squares of first $n$ odd numbers:
$ 1^2 + 3^2 + 5^2 + \cdots + (2n-1)^2 = \frac{n(2n+1)(2n-1)}{3} $

Indices & Surds

Product Rule:
$ a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} $

Quotient Rule:
$ \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} $

Power of a Power:
$ (a^m)^n = a^{mn} $

Power of a Product:
$ (ab)^n = a^n \cdot b^n $

Power of a Quotient:
$ \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^n = \frac{a^n}{b^n} $

Negative Exponent:
$ a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} $

Shortcut Formulae

Infinite Product: $\prod_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n = \lim_{n \to \infty} \prod_{k=1}^{n} a_k$

Logarithmic Rules and Properties

Definition of Logarithm:
$ \log_b a = x ;;\Longleftrightarrow;; b^x = a $

Log of 1:
$ \log_b 1 = 0 \quad (b>0, ; b \neq 1) $

Log of the base itself:
$ \log_b b = 1 $

Log of a product:
$ \log_b (mn) = \log_b m + \log_b n $

Log of a quotient:
$ \log_b \left(\frac{m}{n}\right) = \log_b m - \log_b n $

Log of a power:
$ \log_b (m^n) = n \cdot \log_b m $

Change of base formula:
$ \log_b a = \frac{\log_k a}{\log_k b} $

Base switch rule:
$ \log_a b = \frac{1}{\log_b a} $

CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Cheat Sheet PDF

The CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Cheat Sheet PDF is a compact, high-utility resource covering all essential formulas, theorems, and shortcuts from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, and Number Systems. It’s designed for rapid revision and accuracy improvement during mock tests. Students can quickly recall percentage-to-ratio conversions, time–speed–distance relationships, and equation-solving tricks. The CAT Quant formula sheet PDF also includes sectional difficulty markers and formula interlinks to help identify topic dependencies. Thus, it helps in last-minute prep and stronger conceptual recall during the CAT QA section.

Download Now: CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Cheat Sheet PDF

CAT 2026 Formula Sheet: Why You Need It?

A CAT 2026 formula sheet acts as a quick reference guide during preparation. It helps you recall key concepts, save revision time, and improve accuracy in problem-solving. Having all important formulas from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Math in one place boosts your speed and confidence while attempting Quantitative Aptitude questions in the exam.

Saves Time During CAT Revision

A well-organised CAT formula sheet allows you to revise important concepts quickly before mocks and the final exam. Instead of searching through multiple books or notes, you can go through one sheet that covers all crucial formulas from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Numbers. This structured revision helps you improve speed and problem-solving efficiency.

Strengthens Conceptual Clarity

Preparing a formula sheet for CAT 2026 preparation builds a stronger understanding of topics. Writing and categorising formulas by section—like percentages, ratios, or permutations—helps you connect ideas and recall the right one during tough questions. This approach ensures both clarity and application accuracy in the actual exam.

Minimises Errors and Improves Accuracy

Many students make small calculation errors due to confusion between similar formulas. Regularly revising from your CAT Quant formula sheet helps you retain correct equations and avoid mix-ups. Clear understanding of formula derivations enhances precision, reducing the chances of negative marking in the test.

Enhances Mock Test Performance

Using a CAT formula sheet during mock test practice can significantly improve your score. Reviewing it before and after each mock boosts memory retention and highlights weak areas. You can track which formulas you forget often and revise them again—turning your mock analysis into a more effective learning process.

Builds Confidence Before the Exam

Before appearing for CAT 2026, revising all key formulas from your sheet gives a psychological advantage. It helps calm nerves, refresh memory, and strengthen exam confidence. A personalised, well-maintained formula sheet acts like a final preparation guide, ensuring you enter the exam hall fully prepared.

Key Benefits of Using a CAT Quant Formula Sheet

A CAT Quant formula sheet is one of the smartest ways to simplify exam preparation. It helps you revise essential formulas, identify weak areas, and boost problem-solving speed. With quick access to all important concepts, aspirants can focus better, reduce last-minute stress, and improve their CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude performance significantly.

Simplifies Formula Revision

The CAT 2026 Quant formula sheet collects all key formulas in one place—covering Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Math. Instead of flipping through books, you can revise every crucial concept quickly. This saves time and helps maintain consistent practice, ensuring you remember formulas even under exam pressure.

Improves Calculation Speed

Remembering formulas accurately is essential for speed-based exams like CAT 2026. Regular revision from your Quant formula sheet helps you apply equations faster, solve complex problems efficiently, and attempt more questions in less time. This habit can make a major difference in your sectional and overall percentile.

Boosts Accuracy and Reduces Errors

A personalised CAT Quant formula sheet strengthens your recall and clarity. When you know which formula fits each question type, you reduce silly mistakes and confusion. Repeatedly reviewing and testing yourself on these formulas improves accuracy, especially in topics like Time-Speed-Distance, Profit-Loss, and Probability.

Supports Last-Minute Preparation

During the final days before CAT 2026, revising entire books isn’t practical. Your Quant formula sheet becomes the ultimate quick revision guide. It helps you brush up on important equations and shortcuts in a few hours, keeping your memory fresh right before the exam.

Helps Identify Weak Areas

While updating your CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude formula sheet, you’ll naturally notice which topics you often skip or forget. This helps in analysing your weaker areas early and focusing your preparation accordingly. Over time, it turns into a powerful self-assessment and improvement tool for CAT aspirants.

How to Use CAT Formula Sheet 2026 PDF?

Using a CAT Formula Sheet 2026 PDF the right way can significantly improve Quantitative Aptitude performance and overall CAT score. A well-organised formula sheet supports fast revision, strengthens concept retention, and reduces calculation errors during CAT mock tests and the final exam. Instead of rote learning, aspirants should use the CAT formula PDF as a tool for concept application, exam strategy building, and time management aligned with CAT 2026 syllabus and pattern.

Use the Formula Sheet for Practice

Use the CAT formula sheet PDF before starting practice sessions to refresh key formulas and concepts from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number System. After practice, revisit the sheet to connect formulas with solved questions, improving conceptual clarity and retention.

Apply Formulas to CAT Previous Year Questions

Practising CAT previous year questions alongside the formula sheet helps identify high-frequency formulas and common application patterns. This builds familiarity with exam-level questions and improves formula selection speed during the actual CAT exam.

CAT Mock Test Analysis

Keep the CAT formula sheet handy while analysing full-length and sectional mock tests. Highlight mistakes caused by incorrect formula usage or forgotten concepts and update the PDF with short reminders, making it more exam-oriented.

Revise Topic-Wise CAT Formulas

Use the CAT formula sheet PDF for topic-wise revision, especially in weak sections such as percentages, time and work, or mensuration. Focused revision improves accuracy and boosts confidence in low-scoring areas.

Practice Instead of Passive Reading

Avoid repeatedly reading the CAT formula PDF 2026. Instead, practise active recall by writing formulas from memory or explaining them aloud. This technique strengthens long-term memory and improves recall under exam pressure.

Use the Formula Sheet for Final CAT 2026 Revision

In the last phase of CAT 2026 preparation, rely on your concise CAT formula sheet PDF for quick daily revision. It saves time, enhances speed, and ensures all important formulas remain fresh before the exam.

How to Memorise CAT 2026 Formulas Effectively

The CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude section tests both accuracy and speed. Since most questions rely on direct formula application, mastering and retaining formulas from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, and Number Systems is crucial. Using smart memorisation techniques like spaced repetition, topic clustering, and visual recall helps improve long-term retention and boosts problem-solving efficiency during mocks and the actual CAT exam.

Use Spaced Repetition for Formula Retention

Spaced repetition helps strengthen memory through periodic reviews. Use digital tools like Anki or Notion flashcards to revise formulas at increasing intervals—1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 15 days. This scientifically proven method ensures that key CAT Quant formulas (like simple and compound interest, quadratic roots, and geometry area relations) stay fresh and accessible during timed tests.

Create Topic-Wise Formula Sheets

Divide formulas by topic, Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Averages), Algebra (Equations, Inequalities), Geometry (Circles, Triangles, Mensuration)—and maintain a concise sheet for each. This topic-wise segregation improves focused revision and pattern recognition, making it easier to recall related concepts together during CAT 2026 QA problem-solving. Keep each sheet concise with examples and shortcut notes for quick scanning.

Apply Formulas Through Daily Practice Questions

Retention improves when formulas are applied regularly. Practice 5–10 formula-based questions daily from mock papers or sectional tests. For instance, when revising Time–Speed–Distance, solve both basic and mixed-level problems to understand contextual application. Continuous exposure helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving during CAT’s high-pressure environment.

Use Mnemonics and Visual Memory Aids

Visual learning techniques improve recall under exam stress. Create mind maps, flowcharts, or acronym-based mnemonics for formula clusters (like SOH–CAH–TOA for trigonometry). Use color-coded notes to differentiate between formula types—geometry in blue, algebra in green, arithmetic in red. These cues help visually trigger recall during CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions.

Revise Formulas During Mock Test Analysis

After every mock or sectional test, review formulas linked to incorrect or time-consuming questions. Maintain a Formula Revision Log that tracks which formulas caused confusion or slow recall. Revisit and reapply these during subsequent practice sessions. This iterative feedback loop ensures you don’t just memorise but also master CAT 2026 Quant formulas through active error correction.

How to Create Your CAT 2026 Formula Sheet?

Creating a well-structured CAT 2026 formula sheet is a crucial step in strengthening Quantitative Aptitude preparation. A compact and personalised formula sheet helps in quick revision, improves formula recall, and boosts problem-solving speed during CAT mock tests. Instead of blindly memorising formulas, aspirants should focus on concept clarity, formula application, and continuous refinement based on topic-wise practice, previous year questions, and exam-level difficulty.

Organise CAT Formulas Topic-Wise

Divide your CAT Quant formula sheet into clear sections such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry & Mensuration, Number System, and Modern Maths. Topic-wise organisation helps in targeted revision and prevents confusion between similar-looking formulas. This structure is especially helpful during sectional tests and last-minute preparation.

Include Only High-Frequency CAT Formulas

Focus on formulas that appear repeatedly in CAT previous year papers, such as those related to averages, percentages, ratios, time and work, profit and loss, linear and quadratic equations, and mensuration. Excluding rarely used formulas keeps your sheet concise and exam-oriented.

Add Concept-Based Usage Notes

Next to each formula, write a short explanation describing when, why, and how the formula is applied. Mention typical question patterns, assumptions, or limitations. These notes reduce errors caused by incorrect formula application under time pressure.

Maintain Shortcuts and Value Tables

Create a dedicated section for fraction-to-percentage conversions, squares, cubes, square roots, common ratios, and approximation values. These shortcuts significantly improve calculation speed, which is critical in CAT’s time-bound environment.

Update Using Mock Test Analysis

After analysing every CAT 2026 mock test, update your formula sheet by adding forgotten formulas or correcting misunderstood concepts. This continuous refinement ensures your sheet reflects real exam-level challenges and personal weak areas.

Revise Daily for Speed and Accuracy

Regular revision—preferably daily or on alternate days—helps transfer formulas into long-term memory. Consistent recall practice improves speed, accuracy, and confidence, making your CAT formula sheet a powerful last-phase revision tool.

CAT 2026 Recommended eBooks and Study Materials

Explore the best CAT 2026 eBooks and study materials recommended by experts for complete preparation. These resources will help aspirants revise efficiently and boost exam preparation.